NOKIA THEATRE in Times Square is preparing to host the final competition of the Cuervoton talent search in New York City May 18. This concluding event of the nationwide competition will include widely-known headliners Raekwon, Pitbull and NORE, a star-studded lineup of performers including Tony Touch, Chingo Bling,Malverde Wu-Tang Latino’s Rameses Notch and LDA, all touched up by the familiar voices of emcees of the night Jewelz Lopez (WKTU 103.5FM) and Boy Wonder (Chosen Few, El Draft).

The Nokia Theater is noted throughout venue history for its standout events and concerts. Cuervoton will make history, as it will be the first-ever reggaeton concert held at the Times Square theater.

The competing acts at the event will perform in front of the judging eyes of Machete Music and Wu-Tang Latino representatives Ray Roq Acosta and Ed Rosa. The chosen winning act will be meeting with the two mentioned music labels, along with landing a slot on the Cuervoton Vol. 2 CD. In addition, through the Cuervoton program, LIFEbeat has played a major role in spreading HIV/AIDS prevention awareness through the distribution of prevention materials at the event venues.

The five-city tour/auditions took place throughout the month of April, making well-received stops in Los Angeles, Houston, Phoenix and Chicago. Cuervoton semi finals for New York City will be held May 4.

Finals will begin promptly at 7:30 P.M. on Thursday, May 18, 2006. Tickets are only $25 can be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com.